US7523398B2 - Client/server system and button updating method for client application - Google Patents

Abstract

The client/server system enables functions of GUI buttons provided on a client application to be easily changed. The client application connects to a menu server residing on a network to download information on menu buttons. Button information includes button IDs unique to the menu buttons, parameter values specifying functions of the menu buttons, and information on images of the menu buttons. The menu server uses user personal information to distribute menu button information suitable to each user. The client application reads button IDs from menu information obtained from the menu server and compares them with button information saved in a storage area of a client computer to avoid duplicate downloading of the same button information.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a client/server system on a wide-area information network such as the Internet, and in particular, to an updating technique of a client application which enables data such as images to be updated or downloaded.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional client applications in a client/server system on the Internet have only predetermined communication functions. For example, a communication function that is activated when a corresponding button on the application is depressed (clicked) cannot be changed unless the application is upgraded.

However, even if the client application is provided with a communication function of connecting to particular URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), the fixed URLs do not allow contents services to be freely constructed or allow the client application to connect directly to newly started contents services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is provided in view of these problems, and it is an object thereof to provide a client/server system that allows the functions of GUI buttons provided on a client application to be easily changed.

To attain the above object, the present invention is directed to a client/server system comprising a plurality of computers connected to a network, wherein: a server on the network possesses button information which is data on menu buttons operating in connection with a client application introduced into a client computer, and the server has a function of transmitting the button information to the client computer; and the client application comprises a program which causes the client computer to provide a function of communicating with the server to obtain the button information from the server, a function of displaying menu buttons on a display in combination with a GUI screen of the client application according to the button information obtained, and a function of performing operations defined for the displayed menu buttons.

According to the present invention, the client application connects to the server (menu server) present on the network to download the button information. The button information can be composed of parameter values required for the client application to execute various processes as well as button images. The operation of the client application performed when a button is pressed can be specified changing the values of parameters included in the button information. For example, for an image transfer button, the upper limit of the number of images that can be transferred can be set at a different value for each service connected using the corresponding button.

The server can provide information on menu buttons to the client in response to a request from the client application, and the client can download the information to display the various menu buttons. This enables the functions of GUI buttons provided on the client application to be easily changed, thereby allowing users to change the functions to new ones. In particular, for a function of connecting to services provided on the network, service providers can allow the types or contents of the menu buttons to be easily changed according to slight changes in services.

Preferably, the button information includes button IDs as unique identification codes defined for the menu buttons, condition flags used to determine whether the menu buttons are enabled or disabled, action types which are condition flags used to determine operation of the menu buttons, and information used to identify images of the menu buttons.

Preferably, an effective start date and time and an effective end date and time are set as parameters for the button information; and the client application provides a function of displaying the menu buttons only during this period. Thus, by setting the effective start date and time and the effective end date and time as parameters for the button information, and displaying menu buttons only when the time of the client application or computer is within this period, the present invention is applicable to connection buttons for services with specified terms.

Preferably, the GUI screen of the client application has an update button operated by a user to instruct the menu buttons to be updated; and when the update button is operated, the client application transmits an update request to the server, and in response to the update request, the server provides the button information to the client application.

Of course, the update request may be issued not only by using the update button but also automatically when the application is activated. Alternatively, the application may be programmed so that the update request is automatically issued at predetermined time intervals.

Preferably, the client application comprises an image viewer which causes the client computer to provide an image transmitting and receiving function and an image browsing function; and the menu buttons are image transmitting GUI buttons for which a destination of an image is set.

Preferably the server comprises: a database which stores personal information on users who activate the client application to access the server; and a distribution button determining device which determines contents of the menu buttons to be distributed to the users on the basis of the users' personal information; and the button information on the menu buttons determined by the distribution button determining device is delivered to the client application.

In this case, preferably, the personal information on the users is registered in the database using an online user registering function of the client application; upon registration, each user is provided with a user ID which is a unique identification code; and subsequent requests from the client application to the server are provided with the user ID so as to authenticate the user ID.

That is, upon receiving a menu update command from the client application, the server can use the already collected personal information for each user to automatically create menus according to the users' tastes, and can transmit these menus to the client computers of the corresponding users. This method enables service providers to provide well-serviced marketing for the users.

Preferably, the server transmits list information on button IDs of new menu buttons to be incorporated, to the client application which has requested the current menu buttons to be updated; upon receiving the list information, the client application compares the button IDs described in the list information with the button IDs in the button information saved in a storage device of the client computer, and requests the server to obtain the button information on the button IDs described in the list information only if these button IDs are different from the button IDs in the button information; and the server transmits the button information on the requested button IDs to the client application.

The client application can read the IDs of the buttons written in the list information (menu information) and can compare these IDs with the button information saved in the storage area of the client computer, thereby preventing the duplicate downloading of the same buttons. This avoids unwanted communications.

The present invention is also directed to a button updating method of a client application, comprising the steps of: constructing a client/server system by connecting client computers and a server together via a network; storing, in a menu button information database of the server, button information which is data on menu buttons operating in connection with a client application introduced into each of the client computers; activating the client application to communicate with the server to obtain button information therefrom; displaying the menu buttons on a display in combination with a GUI screen of the client application according to the button information obtained; and enabling operations defined for the displayed menu buttons.

Preferably, the button updating method further comprises the steps of: activating the client application to register personal information on users who access the server, in a user personal information database of the server; determining conditions for users to whom each menu button is distributed; checking the personal information on the users registered in the user personal information database against the conditions to determine menu buttons to be distributed to each user; and delivering button information on the determined menu buttons to the client application.

Preferably, the button information includes button IDs as unique identification codes defined for the menu buttons, condition flags used to determine whether the menu buttons are enabled or disabled, action types which are condition flags used to determine operation of the menu buttons, and information used to identify images of the menu buttons; the server transmits, to the client application which has requested the menu buttons to be updated, list information on button IDs of menu buttons to be incorporated; upon receiving the list information, the client application compares the button IDs described in the list information with the button IDs in the menu button information saved in a storage device of the client computer, and requests the server to obtain the button information on the button IDs described in the list information only if these button IDs are different from the button IDs in the button information; and the server transmits the button information on the requested button IDs to the client application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature of this invention, as well as other objects and advantages thereof, will be explained in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view showing an entire construction of a client/server system according to this embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a construction of a system in which a user connects to a network using an image viewer;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a GUI screen of the image viewer;

FIG. 4 is a view used to describe an application of the system of this embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a sequence used when a menu is updated;

FIG. 6 is a table showing contents of data contained in an event obtainment request;

FIG. 7 is a table showing the contents of data in menu information;

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of menu information XML (service list XML);

FIG. 9 is a table showing the contents of data in button information;

FIG. 10 is a table showing the contents of data in button information;

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of button information XML; and

FIG. 12 is a view used to describe a menu determining logic used by a menu server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of a client/server system and a button updating method of a client application according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the entire construction of a system according to the embodiment of the present invention. This system is composed of a server (hereinafter referred to as an “operation administering server”)10 that administers the operation of the entire system, a computer (hereinafter referred to as a “user PC”)22 of aservice user20, and a server32 (hereinafter referred to as a “service server”) of aservice provider30 that provides printing and other services in response to requests from theuser20, theoperation administering server10,user PC22, andservice server32 being connected to the Internet40. Theservers10 and32 each include a required database, and their communication specifications conform to, for example, the HTTP/1.0 and deal with the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).

An administrator (hereinafter referred to as an “operation administrator”)12 that administers the operation of services provided by this system provides theoperation administering server10 and theservice server32 to operate services. Of course, the administrator need not possess the entire system by itself, but may implement the system by affiliating with theservice provider30. A plurality ofoperation administering servers10 may be provided for each area (for example, each country) in which the services are provided.

Theuser20 can communicate with theoperation administering server10 and theservice server32 using image browsing software with a communication function (hereinafter referred to as an “image viewer”) which is incorporated in theuser PC22 or another communication terminal. The image viewer will be described later in detail, but comprises a function of uploading image data stored in a storage medium of anelectronic camera24 connected to the user PC22, in theoperation administering server10, theservice server32, or other servers via the Internet40 or downloading required data from any server.

Theservice provider30 possesses a print process facility such as a printer (not shown), and prints photographs in response to an order from the user and delivers the resulting prints to the user, who has ordered the printing.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a construction of a system connected to the network via the image viewer.FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a display screen (GUI screen) of the image viewer. InFIG. 2, acradle26 is connected to anelectronic camera24 via a communication interface such as an USB for communications, and can supply power to theelectronic camera24. Theelectronic camera24 comprises an image pickup device which picks up an image of a subject and converts an optical image into an electric signal, a signal processing device that processes an image signal to convert it into a predetermined signal form, a recording device which records an image in a recording medium (a built-in memory or removable medium), and a communication device which transmits and receives information to and from other communication equipment. Theelectronic camera24 may be provided with a microphone to record sound data therein.

Theelectronic camera24 has a storage mode in which it functions as a storage device when connected to theuser PC22 or the like via the USB and a VC (Video Conference) mode in which it functions as a video camera used for television conferences to transmit video signals. The user can select either of the modes.

Theuser PC22 automatically detects a connection of theelectronic camera24 via thecommunication device28 such as the USB (using a plug & play function). When theelectronic camera24, set in the storage mode, is inserted into thecradle26, theuser PC22 can automatically detect this connection and activate the image viewer50 (seeFIG. 3), application software that lists images from theelectronic camera24.

When theimage viewer50 is activated, theuser PC22 accesses theoperation administering server10 via theInternet40 to obtain information such as a service menu for available services which is registered in theserver10. On the basis of the information obtained such as a service menu, as shown inFIG. 3, the window screen of theimage viewer50 displays various icons (also referred to as “menu buttons”)51.

In this regard, when a “user registration button” (not shown) is first depressed after the application of theimage viewer50 has been installed in theuser PC22, the user PC accesses a predetermined server (referred to as a “main server”) to request a list of area names and the names of the corresponding local servers (area servers). The main server provides a list of area server names as required, and the user selects one of the local servers in the list by which he or she is controlled.

The user inputs personal information such as his or her name, address, zip code, e-mail address, type of a possessed electronic camera, sex, telephone number, date of birth, occupation, and password to a user registration page on the selected local server. In response to the registration, a user ID is delivered to the user and is subsequently checked upon accesses to the server for authentication. Theoperation administering server10 administers the personal information on theuser20 using the user ID. Thus,menu buttons51 or advertisements customized for everyuser20 can be distributed to him or her.

As shown inFIG. 3, the window of theimage viewer50 comprises a filelist display section53 that displays a folder structure, an imagelist display section55 that liststhumbnail versions54 of images stored in a folder designated by the user, and amenu display section56 that listsmenu buttons51 for various services. Themenu display section56 may be partially used as an advertisement display section that displays banner advertisements or the like distributed by theoperation administering server10.

Themenu buttons51 are link buttons that allow connections to theserver32 of theservice provider30, described inFIG. 1, and include service selection buttons such as a print service button, a photo CD creation service button, a photograph publication button, a photo contest contribution button, an auction site transmission button, and cellular telephone display button.

Theuser20 can transmit information such as images required to order a print service, receive a photo CD creation service or a service that publishes photographs on the Internet, or upload an image file for a contribution to a photo contest or a sound file, by using a pointing device such as a mouse or an input device such as a keyboard (none of them are shown) to select one or more of the file names displayed in the filelist display section53 or one or more desired images from the list ofthumbnail images54 displayed in the imagelist display section55, and then clicking the desiredmenu button51.

Further, theimage viewer50 is provided with amenu update button58. By clicking themenu update button58 as required, the user can access theoperation administering server10 to obtain the latest menu button information.

Now, a menu update function of theimage viewer50 constructed as described above will be described. First, the general flow of this function will be described by referring toFIG. 4. When the user clicks themenu update button58 of theimage viewer50, theuser PC22 accesses the local server (corresponding to the operation administering server10) having control over services, to obtain menu information, button information, and button images. The menu information is a collection of plural pieces of button information. The button information is composed of parameter values required for theimage viewer50 in which the buttons are incorporated, to execute various processes, as well as button images. At this time, theoperation administering server10 functions as a menu server that distributes information on themenu buttons51 to the user PC22 (theoperation administering server10 will be referred to as a “menu server” as required).

On the basis of the menu information, button information, and button images obtained from the menu server, the list ofmenu buttons51 in theimage viewer50 of theuser PC22 is updated. Various parameters (for example, the URL of a destination) that determine the operation performed when each of themenu buttons51 is depressed are included in the button information obtained from the menu server.

When the user depresses any of themenu buttons51, theimage viewer50 activates aWWW browser60, and the URL of the service site is delivered to the browser. Then, the service site specified by the URL is accessed to obtain a Web page from aserver62 for the service site.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a sequence used when the menu is updated. In this figure, the left side shows a process executed by the client (user PC22), while the right side shows a process executed by the menu server. When the user clicks themenu update button58 on theimage viewer50 screen (step S110), an event obtainment request is transmitted by the user PC22 (step S112). The “event” as used herein refers to a “special plan” or the “latest news”, that is, information presented to the user by the operation administrator.FIG. 6 shows the contents of data contained in the event obtainment request.

InFIG. 5, the menu server receives the event obtainment request (step S114) and authenticates transmitted user ID and password (step S116). This authentication process is executed by checking the user ID and the password against the user personal information registered in adatabase13. If the authentication fails in step S116, the menu server transmits a status code to the client, indicating that the “authentication has failed”. When the client receives the authentication failure notification (step S117), the process jumps to processing in step S124.

If the authentication succeeds in step S116, the process proceeds to step S118 to create event XML. In this case, an event that meets the user's conditions is extracted utilizing event information stored in adatabase14, and described in an XML (Extensible Markup Language) form.

The thus created event XML is transmitted to the client (step S120). When the client receives the result of the event determination (event XML) transmitted from the menu server (step S122), information on the event is displayed on theimage viewer50.

Subsequently, theuser PC22 transmits a menu information obtainment request to the menu server (step S124). Upon receiving the menu information obtainment request (step S126), the menu server authenticates transmitted user ID and password (step S128). This authentication process is executed by checking the user ID and the password against the user personal information registered in thedatabase13. If the authentication fails in step S128, the menu server transmits a status code to the client, indicating that the “authentication has failed”. When the client receives the authentication failure notification (step S129), the menu update process sequence is ended (step S130).

If the authentication succeeds in step S128, the process proceeds to step S132. At step S132, a menu update count is incremented by one to update the count value. The count value of the number of menu updates is stored in thedatabase13 as user personal information.

Then, the process proceeds to step S134 to create a service list XML that meets the user's conditions. In this case, with reference to a menudetermination condition database15 and the userpersonal information database13, menu buttons ID that meet the conditions are determined on the basis of the personal information on the user who has issued the menu obtainment request as well as menu determination conditions. The button IDs are identification codes uniquely (without any duplicates) defined for themenu buttons51. Further, messages and other message information displayed on theimage viewer50 during a menu distribution process are extracted from amessage information database16. The list of button IDs and message information thus determined are described in the XML form. At this time, the display priorities of themenu buttons51 are properly determined according to the user's conditions. A determination logic for the service list displayed to the user will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 12.

The service list XML created in step S134 inFIG. 5 is transmitted to theuser PC22 of the client as the result of the menu information retrieval (step S136).FIG. 7 shows the contents of data transmitted from the menu server to theimage viewer50 as menu information.FIG. 8 shows an example of menu information XML (service list XML).

InFIG. 5, upon receiving the service list XML (step S138), theuser PC22 analyzes the contents of the description (step S140) to determine button IDs to be obtained (step S142). That is, theimage viewer50, the client application, reads the button IDs described in the service list XML, and compares them with the button IDs saved in a service area of theuser PC22 to determine whether or not any of the button IDs in the service list has been updated. Then, theimage viewer50 determines that button information be obtained for only the added or changed buttons. This prevents the duplicate downloading of the same button information as that already retained in theuser PC22, thereby avoiding unwanted communications.

When the button IDs to be obtained are determined in step S142, it is determined whether or not one or more buttons are to be obtained (step S144). If no button is to be obtained (the result of the determination is negative), the process jumps to step S168 to display button images in themenu display section56 of theimage viewer50 on the basis of the button information and images retained in the user PC22 (step S168), thereby a load completion message is displayed (step S170) to end this sequence (step S172).

If it is determined in step S144 that at least one button be obtained (the result of the determination is affirmative), the process proceeds to step S146 to display a message on the screen of theimage viewer50, indicating that loading is being carried out. Then, a button information obtainment request is transmitted (step S148). The button information obtainment request contains data on session IDs and button IDs.

Upon receiving the button information obtainment request, the menu server retrieves button information on the button IDs in the request from a menubutton information database17 to create button information XML on the basis of the result of the retrieval (step S150). The thus created button information XML is transmitted to the client (step S152).FIGS. 9 and 10 show the contents of data transmitted from the menu server to theimage viewer50 as button information.FIG. 11 shows an example of button information XML.

At step S152 inFIG. 5, if the client receives the button information XML transmitted by the menu server (step S154), the client application analyzes this information (step S156). Then, the client obtains the URL of the destination of button image files which is contained in the button information, and transmits a button image obtainment request to the menu server (step S158).

The menu server retrieves button images relating to the request, from a button image database18 (step S160), and outputs image files with the button images (step S162).

The client application receives the button images transmitted by the menu server (step S164), and subsequently determines whether or not there are any button IDs for which no button information has been obtained (step S166). If there are any button IDs for which no button information has been obtained, the process returns to step S148 to repeat the above described process (steps S148 to S166) for all the button IDs for which button information has not been obtained to obtain required button information and images.

At step S166, if it is determined that button information has been obtained for all the button IDs, the process proceeds to step S168 to display the button images in themenu display section56 of theimage viewer50. Then, after a load completion message is displayed (step S170), this sequence is completed (step S172). Thus, themenu display section56 of theimage viewer50 displays thelatest menu buttons51 optimized for the user. In this example, the URL of the location in which the image files are stored is used as information used to identify the button images, but data on the images themselves may be contained in the button information, which may then be provided to the client by the server.

The operation of eachmenu button51 is determined by parameters in the button information, and theimage viewer50 determines the operation of the menu button according to the parameters in the button information. For example, on the basis of the result of the determination of whether or not the electronic camera is connected to a USB cable, in what mode the electronic camera is, or whether or not the image viewer is selecting images, theelectronic viewer50 determines button images to be displayed (enable or disable the buttons) and strings to be popped up when the pointer is placed on the corresponding buttons.

Furthermore, theimage viewer50 determines the following on the basis of the parameters in the button information: #1. Theimage viewer50 determines URLs and their options that are delivered to the browser when thecorresponding menu buttons51 are depressed. #2. Theimage viewer50 determines whether or not to transmit images when thecorresponding menu buttons51 are depressed. #3. Theimage viewer50 determines the numbers of images, the sizes of images (longitudinal and lateral pixels), file sizes (capacities), and file types or the like that can be transmitted when the corresponding menu buttons are depressed. #4. Theimage viewer50, when activated, determines whether or not the terms of validity of the buttons, specified by appear and disappear dates, have expired.

Next, logic that determines a service list presented to the user on the basis of the user personal information will be explained with reference toFIG. 12.

As shown in this drawing, a menu server70 (operation administering server10) has the menubuttons information database17, the menudetermination condition database15, and the userpersonal information database13. The administrator72 (corresponding to the operation administrator12) of the menu server registers and administers menu button information and menu determination conditions. The menubutton information database17 stores button information for each button ID, indicating the contents of the operation of the corresponding button.

The menudetermination condition database15 stores data specifying conditions for users to whom menus are to be transmitted. The conditions for the users to whom menus are to be transmitted are described for each button ID; abutton ID 1 indicates no conditions, abutton ID 2 indicates a woman, abutton ID 3 indicates a student or a user of the digital camera “FinePix40i”, abutton ID 4 indicates a man of thirty or older, and abutton ID 5 indicates no conditions.

Users (A and B) register their personal information online, which is stored in the userpersonal information database13. For example, the user A's personal information includes “male”, “40 years old”, “civil servant”, and “FinePix40i user”. The user B's personal information includes “female”, “21 years old”, “student”, and “FinePix40i user”.

In this case, when the user A requests a menu from themenu server70, themenu server70 transmits {button ID 1,button ID 3,button ID 4,button ID 5 . . . } to the user A as the result of a check against the menu determination conditions.

Further, when the user B requests a menu from themenu server70, themenu server70 transmits {button ID 1,button ID 2,button ID 3,button ID 5 . . . } to the user B as the result of a check against the menu determination conditions. The subsequent process is as described for step S138 and the subsequent steps inFIG. 5.

The usage (history) of themenu server70 orservice provider30 by the user is recorded in theoperation administering server10 as personal information. When a user ID is received from the user, information to be distributed is selected on the basis of the history for the user. Further, frequently used information from theservice provider30 may be given a higher priority, display priorities may be mutually changed, or frequently usedmenu buttons51 may be displayed at such locations that these buttons are more easily selected by the user.

In the above description, the button update process is executed in response to the depression of themenu update button58, but it may be automatically executed when theimage viewer50 is activated or periodically while the computer is online. Alternatively, the user may be asked if he or she allows the update process to be executed, when he or she depresses any of themenu buttons51 to access the server. Alternately, if theimage viewer50 or themenu server70 administers the history of updates and no updates have been carried out for a long time, the user may be warned about the need for an update process.

In the above embodiment, theimage viewer50 that downloads and uploads images has been described, but the application of the present invention is not limited to it. The present invention is applicable to computer programs handling various electronic data such as still images, animated images, sounds, music, and books (documents).

As described above, the server provides information on menu buttons in response to a request from the client application, and the client downloads this information to display the various menu buttons. Consequently, the functions and display forms (including button images and arrangements) of the GUI buttons incorporated in the client application can be easily changed. Further, by using user's personal information menu buttons are distributed to the user according to his or her tastes, thereby providing well-serviced marketing for him or her.

Furthermore, a list of relevant button IDs is transmitted to the client application which has requested the menu buttons to be updated, and this information is compared with the button information saved in the storage area of the client computer. This prevents the duplicate downloading of the same button information to avoid unwanted communications.

It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternate constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims (34)

1. A client/server system comprising a plurality of computers connected to a network, wherein:

a server on the network stores button information which is data on menu buttons operating in connection with a client application introduced into a client computer, the client application being an image viewer, wherein the server generates customized updated button information based on a user's pre-stored personal information, and wherein the server has a function of transmitting the customized updated button information to the client computer; and

the client application comprises a program for viewing a plurality of images, the image viewer including a window including a file list display section that displays a folder structure of the client computer, an image list display section that lists a reduced image of the images stored in a folder designated by a user, and a menu display section that displays a list of a plurality of menu buttons, each of the plurality of menu buttons corresponding to a service, the program causing the client computer to provide a function of communicating with the server to obtain the customized updated button information from the server, a function of displaying menu buttons on a display in combination with a GUI screen of the client application according to the customized updated button information obtained, and a function of performing operations defined for the displayed menu buttons, wherein a selected at least one image from the plurality of images in the image list display section is uploaded to a server associated with a selected menu button for performing the service associated with the selected menu button.

2. The client/sever system according toclaim 1, wherein:

the GUI screen of the client application has an update button operated by a user to instruct the menu buttons to be updated; and

when the update button is operated, the client application transmits an update request to the server, and in response to the update request, the server provides the customized updated button information to the client application.

3. The client/sever system according toclaim 1, wherein:

the client application comprises an image viewer which causes the client computer to provide an image transmitting and receiving function and an image browsing function; and

the menu buttons are image transmitting GUI buttons for which a destination of an image is set.

4. The client/sever system according toclaim 1, wherein:

the server comprises:

a database which stores personal information on users who activate the client application to access the server; and

a distribution button determining device which determines contents of the customized updated button information to be distributed to the users on the basis of the users' personal information; and

the button information on the menu buttons determined by the distribution button determining device is delivered to the client application.

5. The client/server system according toclaim 4, wherein:

the personal information on the users is registered in the database using an online user registering function of the client application;

upon registration, each user is provided with a user ID which is a unique identification code; and

subsequent requests from the client application to the server are provided with the user ID so as to authenticate the user ID.

6. The client/sever system according toclaim 1, wherein:

an effective start date and time and an effective end date and time are set as parameters for the customized updated button information; and

the client application provides a function of displaying the menu buttons only during this period.

7. The client/sever system according toclaim 6, wherein:

the GUI screen of the client application has an update button operated by a user to instruct the menu buttons to be updated; and

when the update button is operated, the client application transmits an update request to the server, and in response to the update request, the server provides the customized updated button information to the client application.

8. The client/sever system according toclaim 6, wherein:

the client application comprises an image viewer which causes the client computer to provide an image transmitting and receiving function and an image browsing function; and

the menu buttons are image transmitting GUI buttons for which a destination of an image is set.

9. The client/sever system according toclaim 6, wherein:

the server comprises:

a database which stores personal information on users who activate the client application to access the server; and

a distribution button determining device which determines contents of the customized updated button information to be distributed to the users on the basis of the users' personal information; and

the customized updated button information on the menu buttons determined by the distribution button determining device is delivered to the client application.

10. The client/server system according toclaim 9, wherein:

the personal information on the users is registered in the database using an online user registering function of the client application;

upon registration, each user is provided with a user ID which is a unique identification code; and

subsequent requests from the client application to the server are provided with the user ID so as to authenticate the user ID.

11. The client/sever system according toclaim 1, wherein the button information includes button IDs as unique identification codes defined for the menu buttons, condition flags used to determine whether the menu buttons are enabled or disabled, action types which are condition flags used to determine operation of the menu buttons, and information used to identify images of the menu buttons.

12. The client/sever system according toclaim 11, wherein:

an effective start date and time and an effective end date and time are set as parameters for the customized updated button information; and

the client application provides a function of displaying the menu buttons only during this period.

13. The client/sever system according toclaim 12, wherein:

the GUI screen of the client application has an update button operated by a user to instruct the menu buttons to be updated; and

when the update button is operated, the client application transmits an update request to the server, and in response to the update request, the server provides the customized updated button information to the client application.

14. The client/sever system according toclaim 12, wherein:

the client application comprises an image viewer which causes the client computer to provide an image transmitting and receiving function and an image browsing function; and

the menu buttons are image transmitting GUI buttons for which a destination of an image is set.

15. The client/sever system according toclaim 12, wherein:

the server comprises:

a database which stores personal information on users who activate the client application to access the server; and

a distribution button determining device which determines contents of the customized updated button information to be distributed to the users on the basis of the users' personal information; and

the customized updated button information on the menu buttons determined by the distribution button determining device is delivered to the client application.

16. The client/server system according toclaim 15, wherein:

the personal information on the users is registered in the database using an online user registering function of the client application;

upon registration, each user is provided with a user ID which is a unique identification code; and

subsequent requests from the client application to the server are provided with the user ID so as to authenticate the user ID.

17. The client/sever system according toclaim 11, wherein:

the GUI screen of the client application has an update button operated by a user to instruct the menu buttons to be updated; and

when the update button is operated, the client application transmits an update request to the server, and in response to the update request, the server provides the customized updated button information to the client application.

18. The client/sever system according toclaim 11, wherein:

the client application comprises an image viewer which causes the client computer to provide an image transmitting and receiving function and an image browsing function; and

the menu buttons are image transmitting GUI buttons for which a destination of an image is set.

19. The client/sever system according toclaim 11, wherein:

the server comprises:

a database which stores personal information on users who activate the client application to access the server; and

a distribution button determining device which determines contents of the customized updated button information to be distributed to the users on the basis of the users' personal information; and

the customized updated button information on the menu buttons determined by the distribution button determining device is delivered to the client application.

20. The client/server system according toclaim 19, wherein:

the personal information on the users is registered in the database using an online user registering function of the client application;

upon registration, each user is provided with a user ID which is a unique identification code; and

subsequent requests from the client application to the server are provided with the user ID so as to authenticate the user ID.

21. The client/server system according toclaim 11, wherein:

the server transmits list information on button IDs of new menu buttons to be incorporated based on the customized updated button information, to the client application which has requested the current menu buttons to be updated;

upon receiving the list information, the client application compares the button IDs described in the list information with the button IDs in the button information saved in a storage device of the client computer, and requests the server to obtain the button information on the button IDs described in the list information only if these button IDs are different from the button IDs in the button information; and

the server transmits the customized updated button information on the requested button IDs to the client application.

22. A button updating method of an image viewer client application, comprising the steps of:

constructing a client/server system by connecting client computers and a server together via a network;

storing, in a menu button information database of the server, button information which is data on menu buttons operating in connection with a client application introduced into each of the client computers, wherein the server generates customized updated button information based on a user's pre-stored personal information;

activating the client application, the client application comprising a program for viewing a plurality of images, the image viewer including a window including a file list display section that displays a folder structure of the client computer, an image list display section that lists a reduced image of the images stored in a folder designated by a user, and a menu display section that displays a list of a plurality of menu buttons, each of the plurality of menu buttons corresponding to a service, wherein the client application communicates with the server to obtain the customized updated button information therefrom;

displaying the menu buttons on a display in combination with a GUI screen of the client application according to the customized updated button information obtained; and

enabling operations defined for the displayed menu buttons, wherein a selected at least one image from the plurality of images in the image list display section is uploaded to a server associated with a selected menu button for performing the service associated with the selected menu button.

23. The button updating method according toclaim 22, wherein:

the button information includes button IDs as unique identification codes defined for the menu buttons, condition flags used to determine whether the menu buttons are enabled or disabled, action types which are condition flags used to determine operation of the menu buttons, and information used to identify images of the menu buttons;

the server transmits, to the client application which has requested the menu buttons to be updated, list information on button IDs of menu buttons to be incorporated based on the generated customized updated button information;

upon receiving the list information, the client application compares the button IDs described in the list information with the button IDs in the menu button information saved in a storage device of the client computer, and requests the server to obtain the button information on the button IDs described in the list information only if these button IDs are different from the button IDs in the button information; and

the server transmits the customized updated button information on the requested button IDs to the client application.

24. The button updating method according toclaim 22, further comprising the steps of:

activating the client application to register personal information on users who access the server, in a user personal information database of the server;

determining conditions for users to whom each menu button is distributed;

checking the personal information on the users registered in the user personal information database against the conditions to generate the customized updated button information to be distributed; and

delivering the customized updated button information on the determined menu buttons to the client application.

25. The button updating method according toclaim 24, wherein:

the button information includes button IDs as unique identification codes defined for the menu buttons, condition flags used to determine whether the menu buttons are enabled or disabled, action types which are condition flags used to determine operation of the menu buttons, and information used to identify images of the menu buttons;

the server transmits, to the client application which has requested the menu buttons to be updated, list information on button IDs of menu buttons to be incorporated based on the generated customized updated button information;

upon receiving the list information, the client application compares the button IDs described in the list information with the button IDs in the menu button information saved in a storage device of the client computer, and requests the server to obtain the customized updated button information on the button IDs described in the list information only if these button IDs are different from the button IDs in the button information; and

the server transmits the customized updated button information on the requested button IDs to the client application.

26. The client/server system according toclaim 1, wherein the server automatically determines the customized updated button information to send to the client application.

27. The button updating method according toclaim 22, wherein the server automatically determines the customized updated button information to send to the client application.

28. An apparatus connected to a network, comprising:

a memory storing a set of instructions; and

a processor to execute the stored set of instructions to perform a method comprising:

executing a client application, the client application providing an image viewer for viewing a plurality of images, the image viewer including a window including a file list display section that displays a folder structure of the client computer, an image list display section that lists a reduced image of the images stored in a folder designated by a user, and a menu display section that displays a list of a plurality of menu buttons, each of the plurality of menu buttons corresponding to a service,

accessing a server on the network;

obtaining customized updated button information from the server, wherein the server generates the customized updated button information based on a user's pre-stored personal information;

displaying menu buttons on a display based on the obtained customized updated button information, wherein the menu buttons are associated with pre-defined operations to be performed at the apparatus,

wherein a selected at least one image from the plurality of images in the image list display section is uploaded to a server associated with a selected menu button for performing the service associated with the selected menu button.

29. An apparatus connected to a network, comprising;

a memory for storing button information representing data on menu buttons for operation with an application executed on a client computer and a set of instructions;

a processor to execute the stored set of instructions to perform a method comprising:

receiving a request for updated button information from a client computer executing an image viewer client application for viewing a plurality of images, the image viewer including a window including a file list display section that displays a folder structure of the client computer, an image list display section that lists a reduced image of the images stored in a folder designated by a user, and a menu display section that displays a list of a plurality of menu buttons, each of the plurality of menu buttons having associated therewith a server for providing a corresponding service;

generating customized updated button information based on a user's pre-stored personal information; and

transmitting the button information to the client computer in response to the request.

30. The client/server system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the menu buttons performs operations relating to image processing services.

31. The client/server system according toclaim 4, wherein each of the deliverable menu buttons registered in the server is described with conditions of the users to whom menus are to be transmitted, wherein the server checks the personal information of the user, who accesses the server using the client application, with the conditions of the users, to whom menus are to be transmitted, described for each button, and determines the confirmed condition as a button to be distributed to the user.

32. The button updating method ofclaim 22, wherein the server comprises:

a database which stores personal information on users who activate the client application to access the server; and

a distribution button determining device which determines contents of the customized updated button information to be distributed to the users on the basis of the users' personal information; and

the button information on the menu buttons determined by the distribution button determining device is delivered to the client application, and

wherein each of the deliverable menu buttons registered in the server is described with conditions of the users to whom menus are to be transmitted, wherein the server checks the personal information of the user, who accesses the server using the client application, with the conditions of the users, to whom menus are to be transmitted, described for each button, and determines the confirmed condition as a button to be distributed to the user.

33. The apparatus according toclaim 28, wherein the server comprises:

a database which stores personal information on users who activate the client application to access the server; and

a distribution button determining device which determines contents of the customized updated button information to be distributed to the users on the basis of the users' personal information; and

the button information on the menu buttons determined by the distribution button determining device is delivered to the client application, and

wherein each of the deliverable menu buttons registered in the server is described with conditions of the users to whom menus are to be transmitted, wherein the server checks the personal information of the user, who accesses the server using the client application, with the conditions of the users, to whom menus are to be transmitted, described for each button, and determines the confirmed condition as a button to be distributed to the user.

34. The apparatus according toclaim 29, wherein the server comprises:

a database which stores personal information on users who activate the client application to access the server; and

a distribution button determining device which determines contents of the customized updated button information to be distributed to the users on the basis of the users' personal information; and

the button information on the menu buttons determined by the distribution button determining device is delivered to the client application, and

wherein each of the deliverable menu buttons registered in the server is described with conditions of the users to whom menus are to be transmitted, wherein the server checks the personal information of the user, who accesses the server using the client application, with the conditions of the users, to whom menus are to be transmitted, described for each button, and determines the confirmed condition as a button to be distributed to the user.

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